Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
“Morning,” she said.
He stood tall, facing her. “Morning. How are you feeling?”
Surprised by the urge but unable to control it, she grinned. “Like a million bucks.” For a woman on a bar manager’s salary, she couldn’t help but laugh at her words.
His lips curved upward. “Good. No residual pain or headache?”
She catalogued her minor injuries. Her knees were raw and bandaged, her palms hurt from where she’d hit the pavement, and sure, her face and head hurt.
She still felt amazing. “Nothing I can’t handle,” she assured him.
“Good.” He shoved his hands into his jeans pocket.
She walked to him and tipped her head, meeting his gaze. “How about you? How are you feeling?”
“Sometimes it feels like my adrenaline is still running strong. Looking for you and not being able to find you took twenty years off my life.”
She couldn’t imagine his fear. “I’m so sorry. I was searching for you when Lance found me.”
“Not your fault. Even I have to admit that bomb threat phone call was pretty smart.” His self-deprecating smile didn’t reach his eyes. “He outsmarted me. On the positive side, I called Garret this morning for an update since the hospital won’t give me any information.”
“And?” She held her breath.
“Some broken ribs, a fractured leg, but no internal injuries. The bastard’s been arrested for a host of charges, many of them federal. Let’s just say no matter who his mother hires to represent him, he’s screwed.”
She let out a long breath. “Good.” Though she’d figured as much, it helped to hear Remy assure her it was true.
His cell rang, interrupting them. He pulled it out of his pocket, glanced at the screen, then put the phone to his ear. “Hello?” He listened and said, “Send him up. Thanks.” He disconnected the call. “Caleb is here.”
She nodded. “He didn’t mention coming by but I know he was worried.”
“Can’t say I blame him,” Remy said. “I’d want to see you in person, too.”
They met him at the elevator and he stepped inside the apartment, immediately pulling her into a long hug. She returned the gesture. This was her family. Caleb and Owen. And she was damn lucky to have them both.
He released her and she stepped back, waiting as the two men in her life shook hands.
“I need to hear what happened last night,” he said.
Raven glanced at Remy and they exchanged, what she thought, was silent dialogue.
I don’t want to talk about the details and relive it, she thought.
But he’s your brother and deserves to know. Remy’s golden eyes held hers.
“Sure,” she murmured to Caleb. “Can I get you a cup of coffee?” she offered. Stalling.
He shook his head.
“Why don’t you two go talk in the living room?” Remy suggested. “I’m going to go take care of some things in my office. Give you two time alone.”
Caleb shot him a grateful glance, then wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Together they walked to the big room and took seats on the sofa.
She curled a leg beneath her, facing him. “Don’t you have to work today?” she asked.
“Took the day off when you called and before you give me a hard time, don’t argue about it. It’s fine. I’m a partner, remember?”
She grinned. “Did I ever tell you how proud I am of you? My brother, the real estate mogul.”
Instead of smiling back, a crease formed between his eyebrows. “Is it that hard to talk about?”
Her shoulders slumped at being caught deflecting. “It’s the reliving it. For all my pushing to make myself bait… I wasn’t as prepared as I thought.”
“Hey. Are you kidding? You are here, alive, unhurt… for the most part.” He ran a finger over the bruises on her cheek she’d seen in the mirror earlier. “I’d say you handled yourself and Lance just right.” He winced as he said his twin’s name. “But I’ll give you a break and go first. There’s another reason I didn’t go into the office.”
“Lance,” she murmured. Because… what else?
He blew out a rough breath and nodded. “I agreed to go with Mom to see Lance at the precinct.”
She leaned forward, covering his hand with hers. No way would she be angry with him for being there for his mother or sibling.
“I understand,” she told him. “Lance isn’t just your brother, he’s your twin.” As much as she loved Caleb, she’d always known there was a chance that one day, Lance would get to him. Make him feel guilty and…
“Hey.” Caleb’s voice interrupted her flow of thought. “Whatever you’re thinking, that’s not it. I’m with you, Raven. I always told you that. I told Lance he was dead to me.” He dipped his head and his voice was sad and resigned.
She gasped. “You did that for me?”
“I did it for all of us. You, me, and Owen.” Especially Owen.
Raven heard the words he didn’t say and that, she understood. He needed to protect his precious boy. But she was still shocked. For all Lance had done in the past, Caleb hadn’t cut his brother off. He might not have spoken to him that she knew of, but the connection, the relationship, had existed. Apparently, no longer.